Bethlehem Steel Aide Named To Head Ncacc Planning

Helene M. Whitaker of Bethlehem, civic affairs representative at Bethlehem Steel Corp., is joining Northampton County Area Community College as director of planning, research and government relations.

Her appointment is subject to ratification by the college board of trustees, which meets Aug. 8.

Whitaker, who will join the NCACC staff Aug. 5, will conclude nearly 11 years of service with Bethlehem Steel on July 31. She joined the corporation's state government affairs division as a legislative assistant in 1974.

Dr. Robert Kopecek, college president, said yesterday he will recommend her appointment to the board of trustees.

"We are very pleased to have her join the staff. With her experience in planning, research and community affairs, she'll make a very fine addition to our staff," he said. He added that there will be a big emphasis on community relations and planning.

Whitaker said her job responsibilities will include strategic planning for the college, institutional research and governmentrelations with school districts and the state.

"I'm looking forward to it. It's a big opportunity, and I'm looking forward to learning, also," Whitaker said. Noting that the college is spoken of highly in the community, she said she is pleased to be joining the college staff.

A college spokesman said the position has been created as the result of an internal shift in responsibilities.

Whitaker is on the board of Muskifest and is a director of Turning Point. She serves on the Joint Planning Commission of the Lehigh Valley and on the Bethlehem Zoning Hearing Board.

She was named the "Outstanding Woman of the Year" by the Bethlehem Area Jaycees Wives in 1981.